Volvo introduces Android Auto for its cars

Volvo Car Group has hit the road with Open Automotive Alliance to make Android's smartphone platform available to drivers through its new ground-breaking user interface.

The move brings together one of the world's most progressive car companies and the world's most popular smartphone platform, developed by Google. The integration of Android Auto promises to add yet another dimension to Volvo's in-car experience.

"Google's approach to user-centricity and the application of technology to improve peoples' everyday lives makes Android Auto a perfect addition to the Volvo experience," said Volvo Cars president and CEO Håkan Samuelsson.

The interaction between Android Auto and Volvo's brand new user interface transforms the look and feel of a car's interior. Volvo's interiors will be characterised by their high-tech simplicity and functionality.

"We have worked hard to ensure an enjoyable user experience with Android Auto. This will offer our customers a new degree of fluidity and accessibility in the usage of their mobile devices, and bring the digital ecosystem our customers already enjoy into the car, complementing Volvo Cars' existing connected car services and applications," Samuelsson said.

Android Auto will provide access to Google Search, Google Maps, Google Play Music and specially adapted third party applications such as Spotify. All phone-based applications can be controlled via voice or steering-wheel controls or the car's touchscreen, ensuring the entire interaction with Android Auto content is both safe and easy.

Volvo's portrait touchscreen provides users with the benefit of having both Volvo and Android Auto content on the screen simultaneously, removing the need to switch between car and Android phone screens.

"Android smartphone users will feel completely at home in a new Volvo. We have created a wholly integrated user experience in our large portrait-oriented touchscreen that takes the in-car mobile device experience to a new level. That, coupled with the obvious driver safety benefits of an advanced voice-control system offered by Google, makes Android Auto a perfect match for Volvo," Samuelsson added.

Android Auto will be available on all new Volvo cars based on the new Scalable Product Architecture, starting with the all-new XC90 due to be unveiled at this year's Paris Motor Show.

Volvo will also include Apple CarPlay in all new models based on the new product architecture. This will make it possible for Volvo drivers to connect the most widely used smartphone platforms directly to their car's touchscreen display.